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Raiders re-sign veteran amid fitness concerns

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 2:48 GMT by ESPN
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Canberra Raiders secure veteran backbone as they brace for a grueling finals run

In a move that underscores the Raiders’ intent to stay in the premiership hunt, the club announced that veteran forward Luke Brebner will stay on the roster for the 2024 NRL season. The announcement came amid mounting concerns over the physical readiness of several key squad members ahead of the high‑stakes finals series, prompting the Raiders to lock in an experienced, proven performer who can shoulder the load in any area of the forward pack.

The contract, signed during a brief press conference at the Raiders’ home ground, will keep Brebner attached to Canberra for a further season, providing both a “steadying influence on the bench” and a depth option for the prop and second‑row positions. The 34‑year‑old, who has been a mainstay in the Raiders’ back‑row since 2016, had already signed a short‑term extension the previous year. This new deal will see him stay on for at least another 12 months and will be a “significant boost to the squad’s experience and leadership”, according to the club’s chief executive, Mark O’Neill.

A senior player for a “mature squad”

“Luke has always brought a professional work ethic and a level of leadership that the squad will value,” O’Neill said. “His presence in training, in the dressing room and on the field is vital, especially now when we’re dealing with a series of injuries and fatigue issues.” The Raiders have been wrestling with an unprecedented number of injuries in the final months of the season. Prop Ethan Lowe has been battling a hamstring problem, while hooker Ben Hunt has had recurring shoulder soreness. With the finals looming, a dependable veteran such as Brebner can fill the void if those key players are unable to make the weekend games.

Brebner, who has played 172 NRL games across his career – all for Canberra – is widely regarded as the backbone of the Raiders’ forward pack. His 2023 season was a highlight reel of gritty tackles, ball‑carry metres and an ability to hit the opposition’s defense from the “inside of the pack”. He was a frequent starter, playing 21 games and finishing the year with 3 try‑scoring kicks from the ruck. The 2023 season also saw the Raiders make a strong finals push, finishing in the top four – a testament to the squad’s depth and the kind of resilience that Brebner embodies.

“It’s not just the contract”

While the headline deal focuses on Brebner’s commitment, it also highlights the Raiders’ broader strategy. In a “dual‑layered approach” that includes an influx of younger talent and a focus on squad rotation, the Raiders’ coaching staff have emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust forward line. “We’re aware that our younger forwards have a lot of potential but also a lot of work ahead in terms of physical development,” coach Kevin Sullivan said. “Adding a seasoned player like Luke will accelerate that process and help us navigate the physically demanding stretch to the Grand Final.”

The move also came in the wake of a significant injury to the Raiders’ captain Ben Hunt, who has been hampered by shoulder discomfort since mid‑season. Hunt, who has led the Raiders through several finals campaigns, will have his minutes reduced as the club looks to manage his recovery. With Brebner’s presence, the Raiders can afford to rotate their forwards more freely, a critical consideration given the high number of matches in the post‑season period.

The financial angle

In terms of compensation, the club has agreed a modest salary increase for Brebner, reflecting his senior status while also keeping the Raiders’ salary cap healthy. The Raiders’ financial team confirmed that the deal “fits comfortably within the salary cap framework” and will allow the club to retain a number of younger forwards without exceeding cap limits.

The signing was also greeted with appreciation from the Raiders’ supporters. “It’s great to see the club taking care of its own,” said long‑time Raiders fan Megan Parker at the post‑match gathering at the club’s training centre. “Luke has been with us since 2016 and he’s earned every minute of it.”

A win‑in‑the‑making strategy

The Raiders’ decision to re‑sign Brebner is part of a larger “win‑in‑the‑making” strategy that also includes bringing in fresh talent and re‑evaluating player roles. In addition to the veteran contract, the Raiders have announced the signing of Jaxson Lachlan, a former Gold Coast Titans prop who is expected to add further strength to the front‑row. The club also plans to give the opportunity to a group of under‑23 players from their feeder team to step up during the finals run, a move that the coaching staff believes will foster a “culture of competitiveness and continuity”.

The road ahead

With the 2024 NRL season well underway, the Raiders are positioned to build on the momentum they generated last year. Their top‑four finish in 2023 and the new signing of a proven veteran are clear indicators that the club is intent on pushing for a premiership. Brebner’s presence will allow the Raiders to keep their forward line robust against the physical demands of the finals and provide an experienced point of reference for the club’s emerging stars.

As the season winds down, all eyes will be on the Raiders’ performance in the crucial final rounds, where Brebner’s leadership and the club’s overall resilience will be put to the test. If the club’s strategy works, Canberra could very well make it back to the Grand Final, bringing their rich history of hard‑fought battles and team spirit into the limelight.